5 Benefits of Pairing Organic Cotton With Latex Mattresses

Is organic cotton really a beneficial addition to a latex bed?

Besides the luxurious drape and feel of organic cotton bedding, it provides benefits that can’t be found in synthetics or inorganic cotton. As people continue to focus on safeguarding their own health as well as that of environment, natural products like cotton and latex mattresses are reigning in the bedding industry. However, many consumers wonder whether or not organic fabrics actually have any tangible benefits to show for the cost. We looked into the specifics of what differentiates organic cotton from conventional, and how this relates to beds, particularly latex which are most likely to be paired with organic cotton covers.

What Organic Cotton Means

Understanding what organic cotton is and how it is grown will help you understand its value in your home. Of all the items we surround ourselves with during a single 24 hour period, our beds may have the largest impact. Most people spend from 6-9 hours per day in bed, which means we are exposed to our mattresses, pillows and bedding for almost 1/3 of the day. These items touch our skin and some may release chemicals and fumes that we would breathe for several hours at a time.

Organic cotton bedding is grown at farms that are pesticide-free, using superior growing practices. In order to qualify for organic labeling, these items must meet specifically mandated guidelines. Only non-synthetic, non-toxic fertilizers can be applied to the crop and field, in combination with natural pest deterrents and insect management. Organic farmers also must sustainable practices like crop rotation to prevent mineral erosion and non-destructive harvesting methods. The crops are inspected to confirm these traits on a regular basis.

Cotton is produced throughout the world, accounting for only 2.5% of all crops by space, but 16-25% of all insecticides used – making it the dirtiest crop currently produced (Organic Trade Association). Organic cotton can make a significant impact as it is estimated that just the amount of cotton required to make one t-shirt consumes up to 1/3 pound of chemical pesticides and insecticides as well as over 2700 liters of water when grown conventionally. Every organic item sold shifts the market in favor of environmentally friendly practices, sending a message to harvesters and manufacturers about consumers’ priorities.

The Top 5 Benefits of Organic Cotton Bedding

There are many benefits to you, your family, and the environment when choosing organic cotton bedding and covers for your mattress. The following list includes points that will impact the way you look at the materials in your home.

1) Less Chemicals in the Ground

Organic cotton is grown using natural insect management, rather than synthetic and dangerous chemicals. This may not be seem to be a major impact until you consider that traditional cotton farming methods consume as much as 10% and 25% of the pesticides and insecticides that are used throughout the world. These chemicals go directly into the soil and groundwater nearby, affecting animals, plants and people for decades. Cotton scraps are also used extensively in food byproducts and as animal feed, contributing pesticide contamination of our food chain via multiple sources. The more crops produced organically, the less pesticides are being applied.

2) Less Chemicals in Your Home

Pesticide residues remain in cotton textiles after processing, and the processing practices used with conventional cotton also contribute additional chemicals. Very young children and older people are at increased risk for problems that may be caused by breathing or absorbing dangerous chemicals. Asthma sufferers and anyone who is suffering from chronic health problems is also at risk. Since organic cotton bedding is beneficial to them, it is certainly a wise choice for anyone who is concerned about the dangers posed by chemicals in our world today. Many synthetics and permanent press sheets also use chemicals like formaldehyde as part of their finishing process; however it is not present in organic cotton bedding and textiles.

3) Hypoallergenic

Organic cotton is hypoallergenic, which reduces the risks of allergies and asthma. Because there are no irritating chemicals used in growth or production, none wind up in your bed or body. This provides an excellent accompaniment to latex mattresses, which many people also choose for their hypoallergenic properties.

4) Better for the Environment

Organic materials are grown using environmentally sustainable practices. These help increase biodiversity and decrease the amount of land that has to be used for growing . Rotating crops, planting cover crops, natural fertilizers and pesticides reduce the impact on the environment and help preserve soil and ecosystems for the future. Cotton requires a great deal of water while growing. By using environmentally friendly farming methods, the water is not polluted and can be used again with hazardous implications.

5) Improved Comfort

Comfort is increased by the natural organic cotton used in bedding, as it wicks away moisture better than its chemically saturated counterpart. Cotton’s breathability also allows it to absorb and release moisture without feeling damp, helpful in keeping comfortable throughout the night – cooler during the summer and warmer during the winter. The lack of harsh chemical solvents, softeners, and dyes contribute to finer end product less likely to cause skin irritations or reactions as well.

And More…

There are numerous other benefits to using organic cotton bedding in addition to those listed above. They include extended durability and the fact that it is biodegradable. Cotton is easily washed and dried, withstands high temperatures, and will last for years. It is available in numerous thread counts to rival the luxurious drape of any material. It is usually softer and smoother than synthetic sheets, less prone to piling, and ideal for creating a comfortable, cozy bed.

Brands With Organic Cotton + Latex Beds

If the benefits of organic cotton have piqued your interest or you were already searching for healthier and more natural bedding solutions, all-natural latex beds with organic cotton offer one of the best options currently available to consumers. While difficult to find in local shops, online retail has made natural latex a viable and affordable option for the average person, and several brands exist for you to choose from.

Consumer Mattress Reports recently produced an extensive report on latex beds that included a brand comparisons of eight leading retailers. Of these, Astrabeds, Flo Beds, Foam Source, Habitat Furnishings, Savvy Rest and Sleep EZ had 100% natural latex offerings with organic cotton covers. In their analysis, they noted that some did not allow reviews (or provided only testimonials) and had unfavorable return policies. When compared side by side, shoppers can also identify how essentially comparable products can vary significantly on pricing as well. The lowest priced beds used natural Dunlop/Talalay with fewer certifications of quality/materials. Others had higher prices without clear advantages over lower-priced options. Based on use of certified organic latex foam and cotton covers, verified reviews, competitive pricing and other factors, the comparison gives a slight advantage to the 100% natural, organic latex mattresses from Astrabeds.com.

Brand (alpha.)

Type of Latex

Certifications

Price Range, Queen

Average Review Score

Returns?

Astrabeds

Organic Dunlop

Organic cotton, latex & wool; Eco-Institut; TUV Rhineland

$1799-2999

4.7 / 5

90 Days, no restock fee

FloBeds

Natural Talalay

Oeko-Tex 100 (wool, latex), organic cotton

$1999-2899

Testimonials only

100 Days, no restock fee

FoamSource

Natural Talalay & Dunlop

Oeko-Tex 100 (latex), organic cotton

$1599-2399

None on website

60 Days, no restock fee (exchange only in stores)

Habitat Furnishings

Natural Talalay & Dunlop

Organic cotton option

$1599-2599

4.5 / 5

365 Days, no restock fee

Latex Bliss

Natural Talalay

Oeko-Tex 100 (latex and fabric)

$2999-4999

None on website

3 weeks

Savvy Rest

Natural Talalay or Organic Dunlop

Oeko-Tex 100 (mattresses), Organic cotton, wool, Dunlop latex

$2109-4739

None on website

90 Days, exchange only

Sleep EZ

Natural Talalay & Dunlop

Organic cotton, wool

$1495-2300

Testimonials only

90 Days, no restock fee

Organic cotton bedding is a choice that will produce long-term benefits for your and our family. The impact of pesticides has been linked to cancer and various diseases for years, yet they continue to be used by much of the industry. They pollute the land and water and eventually end up in the food we eat. As people continue to turn away from these chemical growing practices and choose to use organic materials, the industry will begin producing more organics, and everyone will start reaping the benefits of organic cotton. Sleeping on healthy, natural beds with organic cotton bedding and covers will help improve your home, your health, and the earth.